by Chris Chase, USA TODAY Sports

by Chris Chase, USA TODAY Sports

The San Francisco 49ers were five yards away from completing a historic Super Bowl comeback.

A fluttering incompletion and controversial no-call later, the Baltimore Ravens essentially clinched victory and the Niners were left to wonder whether the refs had halted their chance for a sixth title in franchise history.

It was fourth-and-goal from the five-yard line with 1:50 remaining. Baltimore led 34-29. San Francisco's chances at a record-breaking comeback hinged on one play.

Colin Kaepernick lined up in the shotgun. Michael Crabtree was wide right, set in single-coverage against Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith. The ball snapped with the play clock nearing zero. Right as Kaepernick was catching the snap, safety Ed Reed feigned blitz, then started dropping back into coverage.

The Ravens brought pressure but Kaepernick wasn't concerned with it. He dropped two quick steps and threw up a fade to wide receiver Michael Crabtree. While the ball was in the midair, the wideout and corner tussled on the goal line. Crabtree slapped his left hand on Smith's helmet, Smith used his left hand to keep Crabtree at bay.

Smith fell. Crabtree couldn't get to the pass, which floated seven yards deep in the end zone and landed three yards out of bands.

On the Ravens sideline, John Harbaugh raised one arm in triumph. On the other side of the field, his brother Jim tossed his hat and made an exaggerated holding sign with his arms.

"Yes, there's no question in my mind there was pass interference and then a hold on Crabtree on the last one," Jim Harbaugh said in reference to the second down play during that same series.

But no flag was came.

"When somebody grabs you, you always expect a call, but you can't whine to the refs," Crabtree said. "It is what it is."